There is a revolution going on in the manufacturing industry - one in which 3D printing plays a leading role. Not surprisingly, because making a prototype is much more effective if you use a 3D printer for this. German company reichelt elektronik, one of Europe's largest online distributors for electronics and IT technology, sees a number of trends in 3D printing technology.
3D printing is not only more cost-efficient, but also faster and more flexible. Frank Gerwarth, product manager at reichelt elektronik: "And even the size of the object matters little these days. For example, in the aerospace and automotive industries, large parts like cabin parts or car bodies are already manufactured with 3D printers." Besides printing prototypes and larger objects, there are a number of other trends in 3D printing technology.
Trend 1: other materials are becoming more popular
Plastic is relatively cheap, which makes it a suitable material for 3D printing - especially when it comes to printing prototypes. But we see that other materials are also on the rise, especially metal - a more stable raw material than plastic. In the manufacturing industry, for example, injection moulds are being 3D-printed from metal. In other industrial sectors and the private sector, 3D printers that can print metal are less widespread.
Trend 2: flexible filaments offer more possibilities
The processing of flexible filaments, the 'cartridges' of 3D printers, has also found its way into the world of 3D printing: plastics that can be elastically deformed under various loads, such as tension or compression, and then return to their original shape. Thanks to flexible filaments, it is possible to 3D-print even more different objects, which is particularly interesting for products that do not need to be shape-retaining, such as sports shoes.
Trend 3: material mix makes its move
For a long time, it was considered the holy grail for 3D printing: printing with two different materials. A new generation of 3D printers makes this possible. Because two different materials can be processed simultaneously in one 3D printing process, the printing effort is significantly reduced and the process as a whole becomes more flexible. Mixed printing allows complex objects to be produced more easily and quickly, even in more unusual shapes. Consider, for example, aircraft wings, which are made of carbon fibres and synthetic resin.
Trend 4: more sustainable printing
The subject of sustainability is a hot topic worldwide - also in the 3D printing world. 3D printing is becoming increasingly sustainable in several ways. First, precise programming means that only as much material as needed is used, which reduces waste. Moreover, 3D printing can help recycle plastic waste. For instance, plastic bottles and packaging waste can be pressed into small pellets, which can then be turned into thin plastic threads that can be used as filaments for 3D printers.
Is mass production ready for 3D printing?
Despite 3D printing being only a very recent production technology in the manufacturing industry, it has already become an indispensable part. Prototyping is currently still its main field of application, and a complete replacement of traditional production techniques is not yet in sight. Yet the technology is maturing very quickly, and with it the possibilities and variety of materials. Thus, together we are moving towards a future where everything can be produced with 3D printers.
